Cult Classics: ‘Santa Claus Conquers the Martians’

If Ed Wood had made a holiday movie, it would have been “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians,” one of the worst movies ever made. Just like Wood’s “Plan 9 from Outer Space” and “Glen or Glenda,” this 1964 release starring a young Pia Zadora as a green-faced Martian has developed into a cult favorite. Directed by Nicholas Webster, this well-stuffed turkey finds Martians kidnapping Santa Claus (John Call) and bringing him to their planet because no one is giving Martian kids presents. The film has been digitally restored and is screening Friday and Saturday at midnight at the Regent Theatre in Westwood as part of the “Santa’s Cool Holiday Film Festival.” The program also features Technicolor Christmas cartoons and vintage holiday greetings from the likes of Ozzie and Harriet and Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop.